The 2025 NFL season kicks off with a bang as AFC South rivals the Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars clash in a Week 1 showdown that could shape the early landscape of the division. Slated for Sunday, September 7, 2025, at 1:00 PM ET, this high-stakes matchup at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville brings together two teams with vastly different trajectories.
For the Jaguars, this game is more than a divisional battle—it’s the next chapter in Trevor Lawrence’s rise to stardom. Entering his fourth season, Lawrence has solidified himself as one of the brightest young quarterbacks in the NFL, showing maturity, arm talent, and leadership. With Jacksonville embracing its identity as a playoff contender, all eyes will be on whether Lawrence can take another leap forward.
Meanwhile, the Titans are entering a phase of transition. Gone are the days of Derrick Henry bulldozing defenses with ease, and in comes a new generation led by quarterback Will Levis and a retooled roster. Under head coach Brian Callahan, the Titans are searching for a new identity and hoping to reassert themselves in a competitive AFC South.
This Week 1 clash represents a contrast between a team on the rise and one trying to avoid falling behind. It’s the perfect opening act for a new season.
Trevor Lawrence’s Evolution From Prospect to Pro Star
When Trevor Lawrence was drafted No. 1 overall in 2021, the expectations were astronomical. Heralded as the best quarterback prospect since Andrew Luck, he entered the league burdened by both hype and hope. After a rocky rookie season under Urban Meyer, Lawrence has blossomed under the guidance of head coach Doug Pederson.
In 2023, Lawrence led the Jaguars to a playoff victory and earned Pro Bowl honors. In 2024, despite battling minor injuries and inconsistent protection, he still threw for over 4,000 yards with 28 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Now in 2025, Lawrence is entering his physical and mental prime. Armed with confidence, continuity, and a loaded offense, expectations are even higher.
The Jaguars’ front office has built wisely around him—adding protection, playmakers, and a system tailored to his strengths. With timing routes, pre-snap motion, and a West Coast framework, Lawrence has the freedom to read defenses, adjust protections, and play on instinct. He’s no longer just a young talent—he’s the face of a franchise and possibly the future of the AFC.
Jacksonville’s Offensive Arsenal: Versatility and Speed
Surrounding Lawrence is a skill position group that blends explosiveness, route-running precision, and depth. Calvin Ridley returns after a strong 2024 season and remains the top receiving option. Christian Kirk continues to thrive in the slot, offering a reliable third-down target. Add in tight end Evan Engram, who quietly had a career-best season last year, and the passing game looks complete.
But the offense doesn’t stop there. The backfield duo of Travis Etienne and rookie Braelon Allen provides both lightning and thunder. Etienne, a home-run hitter in space, will continue to be deployed creatively—split wide, used in motion, and on screens—while Allen gives the Jaguars a powerful between-the-tackles presence.
The Jaguars’ offensive line, often the weak link in previous years, has been upgraded with the acquisition of veteran guard Elgton Jenkins and first-round rookie tackle Marcus Johnson. With better pass protection and improved run blocking, this offense could be top-five in 2025 if it stays healthy.
Tennessee Titans: A New Identity Begins
For the Titans, 2025 feels like the first chapter of a rebuilding saga. With long-time coach Mike Vrabel out and Brian Callahan now leading the way, the franchise is shifting toward modern, aggressive football. Will Levis, the second-year quarterback out of Kentucky, is the focal point of that shift.
Levis showed flashes in limited starts last season—displaying elite arm strength, mobility, and a fearless mentality. But he also showed inexperience, forcing throws and struggling with decision-making. This season, the Titans will live and die by his development.
Supporting Levis is a revamped offense that features Treylon Burks, veteran WR Tyler Boyd, and rookie deep threat Keon Coleman. While this group doesn’t scream elite, it does offer flexibility and potential. The tight end duo of Chigoziem Okonkwo and veteran Gerald Everett adds security blankets for a young QB learning on the fly.
In the backfield, life after Derrick Henry begins with Tyjae Spears, who showed burst and versatility last season. Backed by bruising rookie back Ray Davis, Tennessee is hoping their ground game stays effective even without their Hall of Fame-caliber bell cow.
Titans’ Defense: Still Tough Up Front, Questions Behind
While the offense is a work in progress, Tennessee’s defense remains their anchor—especially the front seven. Jeffery Simmons continues to be one of the most disruptive interior linemen in football, commanding double teams and collapsing pockets. Harold Landry III and Arden Key offer speed off the edge, and linebacker Jack Gibbens leads an underrated linebacker corps.
The concern lies in the secondary. Despite flashes from Roger McCreary and Elijah Molden, the Titans allowed over 250 passing yards per game in 2024—ranking among the league’s worst. Facing a quarterback like Trevor Lawrence with multiple weapons could expose Tennessee’s back end unless they can generate consistent pressure.
Defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson has emphasized aggressive man coverage and blitz-heavy schemes during training camp, aiming to force mistakes and play with physicality. But if they can’t match Jacksonville’s speed in space, it could be a long day.
Coaching Matchup: Doug Pederson vs Brian Callahan
Experience meets innovation in this sideline battle. Doug Pederson is a Super Bowl-winning coach who has resurrected the Jaguars from laughingstock to contender. He’s calm, calculated, and one of the best in-game play callers in football. His trust in Trevor Lawrence allows him to open the playbook early and often.
On the other side, Brian Callahan makes his head coaching debut. The former Bengals offensive coordinator brings modern passing concepts and a quarterback-friendly mindset. While Callahan has earned praise for his offensive acumen, he’s still learning how to manage full-game operations—timeouts, challenges, and momentum swings.
Week 1 will be a major test for Callahan, especially on the road, against a battle-tested coach like Pederson.
Fantasy Football Impact
Start ‘Em:
- Trevor Lawrence (QB, JAX): Facing a vulnerable secondary, he’s a strong QB1 play.
- Calvin Ridley (WR, JAX): Look for 80+ yards and a potential touchdown.
- Travis Etienne (RB, JAX): Involved in both the running and passing game; dual-threat upside.
Sit ‘Em:
- Will Levis (QB, TEN): Until he proves he can produce consistently, he’s best left on the bench.
- Titans D/ST: Facing an explosive offense on the road with secondary issues—not ideal.
Sleeper Pick:
- Christian Kirk (WR, JAX): Could rack up points in PPR leagues as a slot mismatch against Tennessee’s nickel coverage.
Head-to-Head History and Recent Trends
| Year | Winner | Score | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Jaguars | 30-20 | Jacksonville |
| 2023 | Titans | 24-17 | Nashville |
| 2022 | Jaguars | 36-22 | Jacksonville |
| Last 6 Meetings | Jaguars 4 Wins | Titans 2 Wins |
The Jaguars have taken control of this rivalry in recent years, winning four of the last six and scoring 30+ in three of them. With Lawrence now established and Tennessee resetting, the trend could continue.
Stadium Atmosphere: Jacksonville Embraces Expectations
For years, EverBank Stadium was quiet in September. But things have changed. Since Doug Pederson’s arrival and the emergence of Lawrence, Jaguars fans are showing up early and loud. The team’s playoff win in 2023 brought a new energy, and now Jacksonville isn’t just hoping to compete—they expect to win.
This home opener will likely draw a packed crowd, excited to watch their star QB start another campaign. For the Titans, crowd noise could be a serious factor, especially with a young offense trying to communicate on the road.
Key Injuries and Roster Updates
- Trevor Lawrence (QB, JAX): Healthy and full-go after resting a minor elbow soreness during preseason.
- Will Levis (QB, TEN): Named Week 1 starter after winning QB battle over Malik Willis.
- Jeffery Simmons (DL, TEN): Expected to play after missing two weeks with a foot sprain.
- Calvin Ridley (WR, JAX): Practicing in full after dealing with hamstring tightness.
What’s at Stake in Week 1
For Jacksonville, a win sets the tone for an AFC South title run and builds confidence for a team eyeing a deeper playoff push. For Tennessee, this game is about proving they belong in the conversation and that the rebuild won’t be as long or painful as some predict.
It’s also a quarterback comparison. One side has the crown jewel of the 2021 draft, the other has a second-round passer trying to prove he can lead a franchise. The outcome may offer early clarity on where each team stands in its development arc.
Game Prediction
The Titans may hang tough early thanks to their defensive line and a few big plays from Levis, but Jacksonville’s offensive firepower and coaching advantage should carry them late. Lawrence’s ability to read blitzes, exploit mismatches, and deliver on third downs gives the Jaguars the edge.
Final Score Prediction: Jaguars 27, Titans 16
Expect a balanced attack from Jacksonville and a breakout moment or two from Lawrence that reminds everyone why he was a No. 1 pick.
Looking Ahead
Jaguars Week 2:
Travel to take on the Kansas City Chiefs in a potential AFC playoff preview.
Titans Week 2:
Return home to host the Indianapolis Colts in a key divisional matchup.
Postgame Questions to Watch
- Will Trevor Lawrence be a top-5 MVP candidate by midseason?
- Can Will Levis take care of the ball and win games with his arm?
- How does Brian Callahan adjust as a first-time head coach?
- Is Jacksonville ready to dominate the AFC South for years to come?